Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1887-08-12
THE BEATITUDES.
EXPLANATOR NOTES BY REV. r..
S. M'ARTHUR D. D.

Lesson VII of the International Series
Third QUARTER for Sunday Aug. ID.
Text of the Lesson, Matt v, 1-1G.
Golden Text, John 1, II.
V. The Multitudes-That is the great
multitudes or crowds mentioned in the last
verse Of the previous chapter, which, strictly
speaking, is part of this narrative. Went up
This does not imply customary action, but
he went up on this occasion. The original
says the mountain, but what one it may not
be easy for us to ascertain. Perhaps it was a
mountain region rather than distinct noun
tain We know that it was in the neighbor
hood of Capernaum. The tradition which
names the Horns of Hattin two SUBMITS near
together) as the mountain, cannot be traced
further back than the Thirteenth century.
This mountain is between Tabor and Tiberias,
and is seven miles southwest of Capernaum.
When he was set-Among the Orientals,
teachers as well as workmen and others who
stand among us, usually sit while engaged in
their regular employment. Disciples-Pupils,
scholars; the term is applied to the twelve
apostles, and also to all Christ's followers.
There were those following him in the inner
circle and those in the outer circle to whom
the term is applied.
V. g Opened his mouth-This expression
has always arrested attention. 1t is not mean
ingless; it is not simply statement that he
began to teach. 1t is rather an Oriental
form of expression, indicating the beginning
of formal authoritative and solemn dis
course Some have supposed that it is here
placed over against his former silence, but the
Interpretation we have given is in harmony
,,,.1N,,,
Taught This great fact is to be emphasized.
The teacher of men is the king of men.
Ideas rule the world Christi teachings are
the profoundest purest and subimest the
world has ever known.
" g. We now come to the sermon proper.
A benediction was the first word of this peer
less discourse. All men desire to know the
secret of happiness, Here it may be found.
This first word must have caught the ear and
thrilled the heart of every nearer Blessed
This word means happy rather than blessed,
although we may not be willing to make the
substitution. There is another Greek word
in the New Testament which strictly means
blessed, and which is appropriately applied to
God. Poor in spirit. Those who are con-
scious of spiritual poverty, the lowly n heart,
the spiritually weak, dependent and trustful.
Many men look upon the possession of wealth
as an evidence of the favor Of God. Christ
teaches a different truth This benediction
belongs 10 the poor in spirit, whether they are
rich or poor in this worlds goods. There is
no reflection on wealth, there is no necessary
commentator Of poverty, in this connection.
All depends upon the spirit of the person who
is rich or poor.
" l. They that mouin.-There may be
sorrow which brings no blessings-the sor-
row of the world which worketh death; but
those who sincerely mourn under providential
dispensatons may claim this blessing. Those
who sorrow penitently for their SINS who
trustfully long for Christ's presence-these
are the happy ones Their comfort is certain;
their sins shall assuredly be forgiven; grace
shall be bestowed, and Christ's presence EN-
joyed. II is d strange paradox when we say,
Happy are they that mourn" That we
think it strange may be an evidence of its
truth. Christ thus corrects another common
mistake.
" g. The meek.-These are the gentle, long
suffering, forgiving. They avoid all ostenta-
ton They have meek and quiet spirit
which is Of great price. The promise is that
they shall inherit the earth.
V. g. Hunger and thirst.-As men long de-
prived of food and drink hunger and thirst
righteousness. Righteousness.-This is holt
ness Of heart and Brightness Of life, likeness to
God Those who long for this blessing shall
be filled. The longing for Righteousness in
dicates the presence OF righteousness They
shall enjoy the blessing of Christ's righteous
ness impaired to them and possessed by them.
Those who have this spiritual hunger and
thirst shall be filled, whether they are rich or
poor in this worlds goods.
" The mercful. They are those who
feel sympathy with the distressed. They also
make efforts to remove the mseres of men.
They shall obtain mercy.-True compass
sionate love in the heart shows that Gods
mercy and favor are in that heart. To re-
ceive forgiveness We must bestow forgive
ness A forgiving disposition precedes the
experience of forgiveness
" g. The pure in heart-This grace is a
fruit of the Spirit Of God. The heart of such
persons is free from intentional impurities.
There will be an absence of all uncleanness in
q scriptural sense, although tho meaning is
not limited to chastity. Hypocrisy, deceit
and falsehood shall be strangers to the pure In
heart. This statement of Christs corrects
the idea that the cunning, the sharp, the
wicked, are the prosperous and successful in
life Shall see God.-This is the highest hap
piness. Commentators and historians remind
US that kings in eastern countries were not
accustomed often to show themselves to the
people. Those who had the privilege of en-
tering the royal palaces are described as
''those that see the kings face" We see God
in proportion as we are pure here and now
Only the pure can see him.
" 9. The RECOMMENDATIONS is the
true peacemaker. He reconciles God to men
and men to God and men to one another
In their measure his followers are to be
peacemakers There is no nobler service,
there is no service which requires more sane
titled common sense Christs Gospel if more
the rule of life, would produce universal peace